Direct Enrollment: London - University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies Photo

SOAS is an incredible alternative experience for London.

Program Information

SOAS is unique: It is the only university in Europe specialising in the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It has grown to become one of the world’s leading institutions with an enviable reputation. SOAS is an exceptionally cosmopolitan and vibrant university based in the heart of London. With more t... More

Provider: Direct Enrollment
Location(s): London, The United Kingdom
Year Founded:
Website N/A

Review By:

Anjali P. (International Relations/Economics, Wellesley College) on April 25, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2010-09-21
* End Date: 2011-12-16
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, this program and the courses I selected far beyond exceeded my expectations. I intend to pursue a master's degree there in the future.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The office was very accessible and those in the office were incredibly friendly and more than happy to point me in the right direction. It really helped to feel like I had allies as I began study in a different country.

* Housing:

Dinwiddy is the best possible location of all the SOAS dorms.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Wellesley College prepare and support you for your time abroad?

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you set out a conservative budget to begin with, and keep an extra 1000 pounds as a buffer for incidents.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

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  • International Students
  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

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A Look Back

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Those interested in Africa studies and development would flourish here.
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? Yes -- it was a program that really stretched my mind in a way that only international perspective can.